Cities In Wyoming - Quick Facts, History & Geography
Wyoming Quick Facts
Wyoming was the 44th state to join statehood back on July 10th, 1890. There are 203 cities and towns in Wisconsin with 99 unincorporated places and 104 CDP's (19 cities and 80 towns). Wyoming is the 10th largest state with 97,813 square miles and is also the smallest state by population with a population of just over 580,000 people. The state capital of Wyoming is Cheyenne and it is also the largest city with 64,099 people. The Wyoming state nickname is "The Equality State." Gannett Peak in the Wind River Range is the highest point in the state at 13,809 feet. Wyoming is renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting. The state is crossed by significant historic trails, including the Oregon Trail, the California Trail and the Pony Express route. Wyoming is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, moose, pronghorn, wolves, and grizzly bears. Wyoming's ranching heritage is still strong, and the state is a major producer of livestock, wool and hay. The geyser Old Faithful, a popular attraction in Yellowstone, erupts every 90 minutes on average, blowing more than 8,000 gallons of hot water into the air. In 1869, Wyoming was the first area in the U.S. where women could vote and hold office. Famous people born in Wyoming include: Jim Beaver, Chris LeDoux, Jim Bullock, Cecilia Hart and James Preston.
The History of Wyoming
The land that is now Wyoming was inhabited by various Native American tribes for centuries, including the Shoshone, Arapaho, Cheyenne and Crow. In the early 19th century, fur trappers and explorers, including John Colter and Jedediah Smith, ventured into the region. Wyoming played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States. The Oregon Trail, California Trail, and Mormon Pioneer Trail crossed through the state, leading to increased settlement and trade in the area. Fort Bridger, established by Jim Bridger in 1843, became a significant trading post along the Oregon Trail. Wyoming is home to iconic national parks, including Yellowstone National Park (established in 1872), the world's first national park and Grand Teton National Park. Wyoming has a significant history of energy development, particularly in coal, oil, and natural gas. Wyoming's cowboy culture and ranching heritage remain integral to its identity. Rodeos, fairs, and western traditions continue to be celebrated across the state.
The Geography of Wyoming
Wyoming is bordered by 6 states: Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah and Idaho. A significant portion of Wyoming is the Rocky Mountains, including some of its most famous ranges. The Absaroka Range, Wind River Range, and Bighorn Mountains dominate the western part of the state. Gannett Peak in the Wind River Range is Wyoming's highest point, rising to 13,809 feet. The world's first national park, Yellowstone, extends into the northwestern corner of Wyoming. Adjacent to Yellowstone, the Teton Range stands tall in northwestern Wyoming. Located in north-central Wyoming, the Bighorn Basin is a geological depression surrounded by mountain ranges. The southeastern part of Wyoming features high plains and grasslands that extend into neighboring states. An iconic geological formation, Devil's Tower rises dramatically from the plains in northeastern Wyoming.
Wyoming Relocation Guide
Wyoming is a state centered around the ranching industry, where cowboys still ride the range and the Great Plains of the central U.S. meet the towering Rocky Mountains. Cheyenne and Casper are the largest cities in Wyoming, offering historic accommodations such as the 100 year old Plains Hotel in Cheyenne as well as many of the fine, well known inns you would expect to see in any metropolitan region. Many travelers visit Wyoming each year to experience such attractions as Yellowstone National Park, Devil's Tower National Monument, and the Pony Express National Historic Trail. Others come to Wyoming for dude ranch and horseback riding adventures.
Most cities in Wyoming feature weather that tends to be windier and drier than other states, with summertime temperatures as high as 95 degrees F. and winter mercury plunging below zero at times, depending on the elevation in this mountainous state. Wyoming, the least populous state in America yet ranking tenth in geographical size, is a popular tourist destination by virtue of its many natural wonders. Public lands cover nearly half of Wyoming. Unemployment is below the national average in this state where the mining industry largely drives the economy. The cost of living in Wyoming is about average as compared to the other states.
Wyoming is, by U.S. standards, a very safe place to live. The average crime rate in Wyoming is 20% less than the national average. Larger cities like Cheyenne and Casper do have higher crime, but Laramie and Rock Springs are good alternatives with their lower crime rates.
